Hilton Head Island vs North Charleston: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Hilton Head Island, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilton Head Island, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,972▲ | $62,313 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.49▲ | $29.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,153▲ | $36,141 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,948▲ | $48,547 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,743▲ | $79,761 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,818▲ | $96,585 |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Hilton Head Island, SC offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Charleston.
The salary gap between Hilton Head Island and North Charleston is $15,659 (25.13%). Hilton Head Island's median is +45.41% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilton Head Island spans $158,665,North Charleston spans $60,444. Hilton Head Island has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hilton Head Island ($79,549 effective) pays 16.81% more than North Charleston ($68,102 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,972/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,818)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,549)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Hilton Head Island grew 91.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.1% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Hilton Head Island, SC
$40,080 (2019) → $76,820 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$54,743 (2024) → $61,392 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hilton Head Island, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Hilton Head Island or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilton Head Island and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Hilton Head Island to North Charleston as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Hilton Head Island vs North Charleston?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov